Question 1

How long does PGWP take to process in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Online PGWP applications submitted from inside Canada take approximately 90-180 days as of May 2026. Paper applications and applications from outside Canada run 4-7 months. Files flagged for program eligibility review or missing language test results can extend past 180 days. IRCC does not publish a single service standard for PGWP; processing varies by application channel and file completeness.

Question 2

Can I work while waiting for my PGWP?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you apply for PGWP before your study permit expires, you can work full-time while IRCC processes the application under implied status. This applies only to inland applications submitted in valid student status. If your study permit expired before you applied, you cannot work until the PGWP is approved, even if you applied within the 180-day eligibility window.

Question 3

What is the PGWP-eligible field-of-study list?

Accepted Answer

IRCC updated PGWP eligibility in late 2024 to require that college and undergraduate programs (other than degree programs at universities) align with occupations facing long-term labour shortages. Programs not on the field-of-study list no longer qualify for PGWP. University degree programs (bachelor, master, doctoral) remain eligible regardless of field. Confirm your program's eligibility on the IRCC website before assuming you qualify.

Question 4

What language test results do I need for a PGWP?

Accepted Answer

As of November 2024, university graduates need CLB 7 (IELTS General 6.0 in each band, or equivalent CELPIP or TEF/TCF score). College and trades program graduates need CLB 5. The test must be taken within 2 years of submission. This requirement was added to address concerns about graduates not meeting workforce language standards. Take the test before applying; submitting without it will result in refusal.

Question 5

How long is the PGWP valid for?

Accepted Answer

PGWP validity matches the length of your study program, with limits. Programs of 8 months to 2 years yield a PGWP equal to program length. Programs of 2+ years yield a 3-year PGWP (the maximum). Programs shorter than 8 months are not PGWP-eligible. The PGWP cannot be extended; you have one chance per lifetime.

Question 6

Can I get PGWP if I studied online during COVID?

Accepted Answer

Online study completed during COVID temporary measures (March 2020 - August 31, 2024) counts toward PGWP eligibility, with conditions. The IRCC distance-learning policy allowed online study from outside Canada to count if you would have studied in-person otherwise. As of September 1, 2024, all study must be in-person in Canada to count toward PGWP eligibility. Verify your specific dates against the IRCC distance-learning timeline.

Question 7

What happens if I miss the 180-day PGWP application window?

Accepted Answer

You forfeit PGWP eligibility permanently. There is no extension or restoration mechanism for missing the 180-day window after graduation. If you cannot apply within 180 days, you lose the PGWP path entirely and must pursue alternative work permits (LMIA-based, IMP, or spousal open work permit if applicable). Apply on the day you receive your transcript to avoid this risk.

Question 8

Why is PGWP delayed?

Accepted Answer

Most PGWP delays come from a handful of fixable causes. Missing or unclear transcripts and graduation letters trigger requests that add weeks. A passport expiring before the permit's full length forces IRCC to shorten the permit or ask you to reapply. Program eligibility checks against the 2024-2026 field-of-study list slow files where the program is borderline. Routine background and security screening adds time for some applicants. Paper applications and applications filed from outside Canada sit longer than online inland files. A complete application, a long-valid passport, and a confirmed-eligible program clear most of these.

Question 9

Why do PGWP applications get rejected?

Accepted Answer

The most common PGWP refusals in 2026 trace to program and status problems. The program of study falls outside the PGWP-eligible field-of-study list. The final transcript or graduation confirmation is missing. The applicant broke study-permit conditions, such as working more than 20 hours per week off-campus during terms or studying while not enrolled full-time. Status lapsed during the program without restoration. University graduates skip the CLB 7 language test that became mandatory in November 2024. Filing after the 180-day window also ends eligibility. Confirm program eligibility and gather every document before you submit.

Question 10

Is it 90 days or 180 days for PGWP?

Accepted Answer

People mix up two separate rules. You have 180 days from your confirmation of graduation to apply for a PGWP. The 90 days is the visitor grace period after a study permit expires, during which you can stay in Canada and still apply if you have not already. You can apply within the 180-day window even after your study permit expires, but you can only work while waiting if you applied before it expired. Processing itself runs about 90 to 180 days for online inland applications.

PGWP Processing Time: ~90-180 Days Online (May 2026)

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